So you should know by now that I am a dj. I am going to delve into a topic that is touchy and tricky but the word of God will be the final WORD on the matter.

Dub Plates.

A dub plate is a specialized version of a song (most often a popular one) where a dj is ‘bigged up’ in the song by the performing artist. It is often used by dj’s in sound clashes where dj’s go head to head playing songs in a battle where the crowd response for the particular dj/sound system determines who wins.

This plate is requested by the dj and most often paid for so that the dj would have the upper hand in the clash. It is particularly used in the dancehall culture where dj’s play a prominent role in how a party goes.

A Christian dj is definitely called to be set apart in his field which is the delivery and mixing of music. As is understood when evangelizing to any culture, you have to analyze it and what can and cannot be used for the Glory of God…. now the Glory of God is God’s main purpose for existing.. for his glory.

Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Now the flow of music and the mixing and scratching and mic man and everything that comes with being a dj can allllll be used for the Glory and honor of God because it can ll be pointed back to him in some form or fashion.

A plate now by it’s definition substitutes part of the song with the name of the dj in an effort to ‘big up’ the dj for the explicit purpose of glorifying the dj especially in a clash situation where another dj is competing for the crowd’s response.

Issues:

1. SUBSTITUTION

A gospel song is generally a song that speaks about the saving work of Jesus and promotes the agenda of God by virtue of his son and in the power of his Spirit. If the name of a dj is substituted into that song I believe it takes away from the glory that God deserves to get from that song.

(check out when God kept a remnant of Israel and did not allow them to be destroyed)

Isa 48:11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

2. PRIDE

If a gospel dj who’s agenda is to glorify God specifically goes and asks an artist to sing a song bigging them up then they don’t really have God’s glory on their mind. The sheer thought about substituting MY name in a song that was designed for GOD……… i just got a headache.

(check out Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel)

Dan 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

HOW CAN A PLATE BE USED?

The only way I see a plate being possibly used for the glory of God is this way.

Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

If for some reason an artist comes and says,

“Aye, i LOVE YOUR MINISTRY…. and I decided to do a song dedicated to your ministry. I pray you accept it and love it so that others would know what you are doing and who you are”

They take one of their songs and remix it and pay tribute to you in the spirit of Philipians 2:3 ALONG WITH POINTING TO JESUS AS THE REASON FOR BROTHERLY LOVE, HUMILITY ALL THINGS THAT ARE GOOD…. FOR THE EXPRESSED GLORY OF GOD…” (which is what Phil 2 is about)

Then and only then would it be biblically sound in my estimation. I hope this makes biblical sense and we are challenged by it. I of course don’t need to say that this is in no way intended malicious or ‘call out anyone’, it is simply applying the word of God to culture which is what we have to do.

I appreciate all comments and I don’t condemn anyone… but let the Word of God do the speaking.